Hathaway, Bertha L. (1917-2007)

HATHAWAY, MERTES, KURTZHALS, FIECHTNER, TORCHIA

Posted By: Mary Holub, volunteer (email)
Date: 3/29/2008 at 10:30:04

From: Le Mars Daily Sentinel, July 5, 2007

And the dear Lord said, "Come follow me." Bertha L. Hathaway, after a brief illness, followed the Lord on Monday, July 2, 2007, with all her children present at her side, in Miles City, Mont., at the age of 89.

Mrs. Hathaway was born Aug. 12, 1917, in Obert, Neb., the youngest daughter of Henry and Katherine (Mertes) Kurtzhals. She attended school at St. James in Le Mars, and graduated in 1934. She was exceptionally proud of never being absent during her pre-high school years. Mrs. Hathaway graduated from the Samuels School of Beauty Culture in Sioux City, in 1940. She was a gifted and talented beautician and owned her own beauty shop in Miles City for many years. On Nov. 30, 1940, she and Melvin J. Hathaway were united in marriage in Le Mars. In 1953, they moved to Miles City, Mont., where Mel started working with New York Life Insurance Company, and Mrs. Hathaway continued to raise her family, and worked as a beautician.

Mrs. Hathaway was a member of the Sacred Heart Church, a Eucharist Minister, St. Frances Altar Society, Convent Keepers, and was active as a volunteer at the St. Vincent DePaul Store. She was also a member of RSVP and retired member of the Custer County Election Board.

Mrs. Hathaway enjoyed crocheting, plastic crafts, photo albums and watching her family grow and prosper.

She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Grandma Bert was always available whenever she was needed.

Her survivors include her four children: Kay Fiechtner and Ron Hathaway and his wife, Ginny of Miles City, Mont., Jim Hathaway of Billings, Mont., and Mary Anne Torchia and her husband Jim of Omaha, Neb.; 13 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren; and her special friend Casey.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, one brother, two sisters, and four grandchildren.

A vigil service will be held Friday at 7 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, at 11 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. The Rev. Gil Hemauer-Capuchin will be celebrant. Rite of Committal will follow in the Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Holy Rosary Hospice, 2600 Wilson Street, Miles City, MT 59301.

Mrs. Hathaway was always there when needed. She was an in-charge person. She loved to serve and was always willing to donate her time and talent. She will be greatly missed by family and friends. Mother, you will always be missed, forever in our hearts. We love you.